Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Racine, WI

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Racine, Wisconsin.

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So, you’re thinking about moving to Racine, Wisconsin, to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? Good choice. I’ve lived in this city long enough to know that Racine isn’t just another dot on the map between Milwaukee and Chicago. It’s a hardworking, lakefront city with a serious need for skilled healthcare workers, especially in long-term care and home health. The cost of living is reasonable, the job market is steady, and the community is tight-knit.

This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect, from your paycheck to your commute, using hard data and local knowledge. Let’s get into it.

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The data for Nursing Assistants in the Racine Metropolitan Area tells a clear story: it's a stable, mid-range market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the pay here is slightly below the national average, but the lower cost of living helps bridge that gap.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Note that these are estimates for the Racine metro area specifically.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,223 (Median)	$16.93
Senior (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	$17.79 - $19.23
Expert (10+ years)	$41,000+	$19.71+

The Big Picture: The median salary for a CNA in Racine is $35,223/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.93. This is just a hair below the national average of $35,760/year. The key here is context. While the national average might seem higher, you’re comparing it to expensive coastal cities. In Racine, that $35,223 goes much further.

How Racine Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities:

• Milwaukee: Salaries are typically 5-10% higher, but rent and general cost of living are significantly steeper. The commute from Racine to Milwaukee is doable (about 30-40 minutes), but you’ll pay more in gas and vehicle wear.
• Green Bay: Wages are very similar to Racine, often within a few hundred dollars of the $35,223 median. Green Bay’s job market is slightly more concentrated in healthcare, but Racine offers more diversity in employers.
• Madison: State capital, home to UW Health. Salaries for CNAs are noticeably higher, often by 10-15%. However, Madison’s housing market is one of the most competitive and expensive in the state, completely negating the wage advantage for many entry-level workers.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local nursing homes and hospitals offer shift differentials (an extra $1-$3/hour for evenings, nights, or weekends) and sign-on bonuses, especially for CNAs with active licenses. Always ask about these during an interview.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what you can afford on the median salary of $35,223/year. This is the most critical part of your decision.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $35,223 / 12 = $2,935
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (After Taxes & FICA): ~$2,350 (This can vary based on your tax filing status, health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions).
• Average 1BR Rent in Racine: $842/month
• Rent as % of Take-Home Pay: ~36%

A 36% rent-to-income ratio is above the ideal 30% threshold but is manageable, especially if you don’t have significant other debts. This leaves you with roughly $1,508/month for utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and savings.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
On a $35,223 salary, buying a home in Racine is challenging but not impossible, especially with a partner’s income. The median home price in Racine is around $180,000. With a 3.5% FHA down payment ($6,300) and good credit, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,200-$1,400. This would consume nearly 50% of your take-home pay, which is financially risky. It’s a more viable long-term goal if you can advance to a senior CNA role (earning closer to $40,000) or combine incomes.

Cost of Living Context: The cost of living index for Racine is 95.0, meaning it’s 5% cheaper than the national average (100). This is a significant advantage. Your dollar stretches further on groceries, utilities, and everyday goods compared to most places in the U.S.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine’s healthcare sector is anchored by a mix of large hospitals, regional nursing homes, and home health agencies. The job market for CNAs is stable, with an estimated 153 jobs available in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, a modest but steady increase driven by an aging population.

Here are the major local employers you should be targeting:

1. Ascension Wisconsin (All Saints Hospital): Located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, this is Racine’s primary acute care hospital. They hire CNAs for patient care tech (PCT) roles in various units. Hiring trends favor CNAs with BLS certification and experience in fast-paced environments.
2. Aurora Medical Center (Mount Pleasant): A newer facility with a growing reputation. They often have openings for CNAs in their emergency department and inpatient units. They are part of the larger Advocate Aurora Health system, which offers good benefits and internal mobility.
3. Racine County Nursing Home (The Palms): This is the county-run skilled nursing facility. It’s a major employer with a consistent need for CNAs. Jobs here are often unionized, offering structured pay scales and strong job security.
4. Ascension Living (St. Joseph’s & St. Francis): These are two of Racine’s most established long-term care and assisted living facilities. They are always hiring CNAs. Insider Tip: St. Francis, located in the heart of the city, often has a higher turnover rate, which can mean more immediate openings for new hires.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Interim HealthCare, Comfort Keepers): Racine has a robust network of home health agencies. These roles offer more independence and a different pace than facility work. Pay can be slightly lower than institutional settings, but mileage reimbursement is a key benefit.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The state does not have a "CNA" title; it uses the term Nurse Aide.

Requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training (75 hours of classroom and 45 hours of clinicals). There are several approved programs in the Racine area, including at Gateway Technical College and local high schools.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written/oral exam and a skills evaluation through a state-approved testing vendor (like D&S Diversified Technologies).
3. Submit Application to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name is added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. You must renew your listing every two years by working for pay for at least 8 hours in a licensed nursing facility.

Costs and Timeline:

• Training Program Cost: $800 - $1,500 (some employers may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period).
• Exam Fee: ~$125 (varies slightly by vendor).
• Timeline: From enrollment to being on the registry, you can expect 3 to 6 months, depending on class availability. Many programs offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.

Insider Tip: Gateway Technical College is the main hub for training in the area. Their programs are well-regarded and often have direct pipelines to local employers. Check their website for upcoming start dates.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live will drastically affect your daily life and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods, factoring in commute to major employers and rent estimates.

1. Downtown Racine: The most walkable area, filled with historic buildings, coffee shops, and Lake Michigan access. It’s ideal if you work at Ascension All Saints (a short commute) or near the lakefront. Rent for a 1BR can range from $850 - $1,100. The vibe is artsy and urban.
2. Mount Pleasant (West Side): This is where the major healthcare employers are clustered (Aurora, Ascension All Saints). It’s a suburban area with newer apartment complexes, big-box stores, and easy highway access. Commute times are minimal for these jobs. Rent for a 1BR is close to the city average, around $800 - $950.
3. Northside: A working-class, residential neighborhood with some of the most affordable housing in the city. It’s a 10-15 minute drive to most hospitals. If you’re budget-conscious, this is a great option. 1BR apartments can be found for $700 - $800. It’s a no-frills area but has a strong community feel.
4. HarborPath / North Beach: This area is north of the city center, closer to the lake and the popular North Beach. It’s a bit more upscale with a mix of older homes and new developments. Commute to hospitals is about 15-20 minutes. Rent is higher here, often $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Good for those who want lake access and a quieter setting.
5. The Island (Racine’s East Side): Technically part of the City of Racine, this is a unique, densely populated neighborhood with a strong Polish heritage. It’s very affordable (1BR rent ~$750 - $850) and has a distinct character. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 minutes via highways.

Insider Tip: The commute in Racine is generally easy, but traffic on I-94 and Highway 31 can get backed up during rush hour. If you work night shift, traffic is a non-issue. For day shift, living near your employer (like in Mount Pleasant for Aurora) can save you 20+ minutes each way.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Racine is a solid foundation, but it’s not a final destination for most. Here’s how you can advance.

Specialty Premiums:

• Teaching & Education: Becoming a CNA instructor at a local college (like Gateway) requires additional certification but comes with a higher wage and regular hours.
• Home Health Aide: Specializing in private-duty home care can offer more one-on-one patient interaction. Pay is often similar, but you gain flexibility.
• Phlebotomy/Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT): Some local hospitals offer training to become a CPCT, which includes drawing blood, performing EKGs, and other technical skills. This can lead to a higher pay bracket within the hospital system.

Advancement Paths:
The most common path is to use your CNA experience as a stepping stone to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Gateway Technical College and nearby universities like Carthage College offer bridge programs. Many local employers, especially Ascension and Aurora, provide tuition assistance for employees pursuing nursing degrees.

10-Year Outlook:
With a projected job growth of 4% and a steady need due to Racine’s aging population, long-term job security is good. However, wages may not keep pace with inflation without additional credentials. The key to higher earning potential is specialization and further education. A CNA with 10+ years of experience who also has a teaching certification or is studying for their LPN will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine offers a balanced proposition for a CNA: a stable job market, a low cost of living, and a realistic path to a comfortable life. It’s not a high-octane career launchpad like a major metro, but it’s a place where you can build a solid career without being crushed by rent.

Here’s a final summary:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $35,223 salary goes further here than in most U.S. cities.	Modest Wages: Salaries are slightly below the national average; significant raises often require further education.
Stable Job Market: 153 jobs and steady 4% growth provide good security.	Limited High-Specialty Roles: Fewer niche CNA positions compared to a major medical hub like Milwaukee or Madison.
Major Employers: Presence of Ascension and Aurora provides career stability and options.	Weather: Long, cold winters can be a challenge if you’re not used to them.
Manageable Commutes: Easy to live close to work, saving time and money.	Smaller City Vibe: Fewer entertainment and cultural options than a larger city.

Final Recommendation:
Racine is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s ideal if you’re looking to start your career, gain experience, and potentially advance into nursing without taking on massive debt. If you’re seeking high-energy, fast-paced environments with top-tier pay, you might look toward Milwaukee or Chicago. But for a grounded, sustainable career in healthcare, Racine is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. With a cost of living index of 95.0, you’ll find groceries, utilities, and especially rent are more affordable than the national average. Your biggest expense will be housing, but even that is manageable on a CNA salary.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CNAs?
A: It’s fairly competitive for the best positions (like at Ascension or Aurora), but there are always openings at nursing homes and home health agencies. Having your license active and being willing to work any shift (especially nights/weekends) will make you a very attractive candidate.

Q: Do I need a car in Racine?
A: Yes, absolutely. While the downtown area is walkable, Racine is a car-dependent city. Public transit (Racine Transit) exists but is limited. Most healthcare jobs are in suburban areas like Mount Pleasant, which are not easily accessible by bus.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for CNAs moving to Racine?
A: The biggest challenge is often the winter. You’ll need to budget for a reliable vehicle with good tires and learn to drive in snow and ice. Also, building a social network outside of work can take time, as Racine is a city where many people grew up here.

Q: Can I live in Milwaukee and commute to Racine for work?
A: You can, and some people do. The commute is about 30-40 minutes. However, you’ll pay significantly more in rent for a 1BR in Milwaukee ($1,200+). Unless you have a partner also working in Milwaukee, it’s financially smarter to live in Racine where your salary stretches further.